Three New Featurettes Released for Snow White and the Huntsman

Three new behind the scenes featurettes have been released for the upcoming film, Snow White and the Huntsman from Universal Pictures and courtesy of XFinity.

Snow White and the Huntsman is another story that’s been adapted for the big screen based reworked fairy tales. Drawn from the tales by the Brothers Grimm, Snow White and the Huntsman is another entry into the world of fairy tales gone dark. (although this isn’t a stretch based on what the actual original tales contain.)  For example, in the original Snow White story, the evil queen dies dancing to death, forced to wear red hot iron shoes.

According to the official movie website, the story goes as follows.

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.

The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.

Personally, now as I am an adult and no longer lulled in by singing and talking animals alone, I like the darker tales. They are closer to the original, they don’t sugar coat anything, and yet still manage to hold the diary tale sense of life. I will watch this one over its rival film Mirror Mirror (although I’ll see that one too eventually.)

The cast includes:

  • Charlize Theron as Queen Ravenna
  • Kristen Stewart as Snow White
  • Chris Hemsworth as Eric, the Huntsman
  • Sam Claflin as Prince William
  • Lily Cole as Greta
  • Christopher Obi Ogugua as the voice of The Mirror
The Dwarves
  • Ian McShane as Beith
  • Johnny Harris as Quert
  • Bob Hoskins as Muir
  • Toby Jones as Coll
  • Eddie Marsan as Duir
  • Brendan Gleeson as Gus
  • Ray Winstone as Gort
  • Nick Frost as Nion
The film is set to hit theaters June 1, 2012.

You can see the three new featurettes below:

6th Annual BSC Book Tournament Round 1 Future vs Global Winners

The first round between our Global Catastrophe and Future Apocalypse brackets has concluded! It was a tough round with many close calls, but in the end the fans spoke up and we have the winners for round 1. Round 2 for this bracket will begin March 16th and through till March 19th.

Congratulations to each of the winners from the match-ups!

You can see the winners from each bracket below:

Future Apocalypse Winners

  • Incarceron – Catherine Fisher
  • Birthmarked – Caragh M. O’Brien
  • Legend – Marie Lu
  • Across The Universe – Beth Revis
  • All These Things I’ve done – Gabrielle Zevin

Global Catastrophe Winners

  • The Eleventh Plague – Jeff Hirsch
  • Wither – Lauren Destefano
  • Ashes – Ilsa Bick

Round 2 match-ups begin tomorrow, March 16th, for the Global Catastrophe vs Future Apocalypse brackets.

The Match-ups are as follows:

1. Legend by Marie lu vs Wither by Lauren Destefano

2. Ashes by Ilsa Bick vs All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

3. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher vs The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

4. Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien vs Across the Universe by Beth Revis

So be sure to check back tomorrow, March 16th, to begin voting on these titles, and check in with us on Twitter for updates on the competition!

Stephen King’s The Dark Tower May Yet Light Up Theaters

Between movies based on the re-imaginings of fairy tales, literary remixes and one shot book deals, production companies are looking for the next big franchise. For popular comic book titles like Batman and Spider-man, some properties can even be remade until the heat death of the universe. So what will be the next big thing? Who will take over for the Harry Potter series or the Twilight Saga for multi-film dominance? (editors note: The Hunger Games!)

According to Deadline, Warner Bros. Is very close to completing a deal which will bring the Stephen King name once again to the movie screen. Not a contrived horror story about an evil lamp or stapler; Thank you Simpsons; but instead the films will be adaptations of King’s Dark Tower series.

This screen adaptation has currently been written by Akiva Goldsman, who will also produce the movie alongside Brian Grazer and Stephen King. Ron Howard has been brought on to direct the first feature film in what might be many more to come. To compound the ability to make money in this multi-film deal, there is even talks of a television series that might supplement the action between films; lots of Spartacus like prequels. Wow. I just realized that’s what they might end up doing for Ender’s Game if they go into sequels. Not only are there little short stories that serve as prequels, but they’re making new comics based on the life of Mazer Rackham.

King’s Dark Tower is a post-apocalyptic story that is equal parts spaghetti western and Tolkian fantasy. Portions I recall from the bits and pieces of comics I’ve read involve a wandering gun slinger who paid with things from his grow-bag; a magical pouch that would spit out coins and the occasional gem. The movie was initially pitched to Universal Studios back in 2010 as a three film deal with two limited-run television series. Probably thinking it was too much of a gamble to fully commit, the studio only gave the green light for one film. It’s the safe choice to make considering that the Dark Tower series is seven books long. As popular as the series has become, The Dark Tower is not as family friendly as Harry Potter was; a lot more violent and more horrific.

Nothing is written in stone yet, so don’t get your hopes up too soon. Warner Bros. Hasn’t fully committed, but with the momentum that the Howard and his team has built up, The Dark Tower looks like it’s prime for Hollywood plucking. So who will play Roland Deschain, the last living member of the knightly order of gunslingers? When the film adaptation was in Universal Studios’ hands, Javier Bardem; No Country for Old Men; was attached to the lead role. Who else would be more perfect to play an emotionless, compassionless killing machine? If schedules all work out in time for the potential filming of The Dark Tower, Bardem will likely keep the role.

 

Exclusive Game of Thrones Philosophy Book Giveaway

Optionated is incredibly excited to offer our readers a chance to win this fantastic companion book to the “Game of Thrones” television series and book series. If you are a fan of either you do not want to be without a copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.)

The book is an in-depth look at the philosophical issues behind HBO’s Game of Thrones television series and the books that inspired it.

What You Get:

5 winners will receive a free copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series).

About the Book:

George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a “good” king to usurp the throne of a “bad” one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals?

    • Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series
    • Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones
    • Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones

Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series.

How To Enter:

Please send an email with your name and shipping information to contest@bsckids.com with the subject stating Game of Thrones. If you follow us on Twitter (@optionated_) or like us on Facebook, you get two entries to win! Winners will be announced on March 26th, just in time for the premiere of season 2!

Good Luck!

Giveaway items provided by Wiley Publishing

The Walking Dead Facebook Game Almost Here

The hit AMC television series, “The Walking Dead” is invading Facebook. It was recently revealed that Eyes Wide Games, AMC, and Rock You have teamed up to create a new social based Facebook game based on the series. The game is set to arrive net month. (You can see screenshots from the game below)

The objective is pretty simple given it is a game about zombies. Stay Alive. The game makes you team up with Facebook friends to establish a camp and defend it from the Walkers. You will also have to scavenge for resources, complete missions, and meet characters from the actual television show.

“AMC’s The Walking Dead Social Game is a next generation game for social networks,” Eye Wides Games CEO Stephen Griffin told G4. “It’s got deep playability. It’s got drama, and it’s still approachable for the casual audience. However, if you’re a gamer and you’ve been looking for a deeper game to play and to experience on social networks then this is it.”

Even more is that this isn’t the first video game tie-in that has been announced for the television series. Telltale Game is also creating an episodic adventure game that is based on the comics. The first episode in that game is expected to be available sometime this spring.

“The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series, The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It is currently in the middle of its second season. AMC announced in October 2011 that the show would be renewed for a third season due to the fact the premiere of season 2 broke cable records in their demographic. On January 14, 2012, AMC announced that the third season will contain an extended episode order of 16 episodes.

The Walking Dead tells the story of a small group of survivors living in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Most of the story takes place in the Atlanta metropolitan area, as the survivors search for a haven away from the shuffling hordes of predatory “walkers” who devour and infect any living thing they catch. The plot is focused primarily on the dilemmas the group face as they struggle to balance their humanity with their survival.

The group is led by Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln (You can see an interview with Lincoln here), who was a sheriff’s deputy in a small Georgian town before the zombie outbreak. At every turn they are faced with the horror of the dead walking again, the changing dynamic of their group, and hostility from the scattered remains of a struggling human populace who are focused on their own survival now that the structures of society have collapsed.

You can sign up for the Walking Dead Social Game by liking its fan page. You’ll be notified when it launches in April.

You can also see some screenshots from the new Facebook game below:

Paramount Delays World War Z Release Date

Paramount recently reported that they had pushed back the release date of the upcoming film adaptation, World War Z. The film will now be pushed from this year to next year. It was originally supposed to open in theaters on December 21, 2012, however, the studio has set the film back by 6 months. It will now open on June 21st, 2013.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the fictional oral history novel of the Z-day (or the zombie apocalypse) and was written by Max Brooks. It is directed by Marc Forster and is starring Brad Pitt who also produced the film.

The move of the film might have to do with the incredibly christmas season of movies this year. Including, The Hobbit, Les Miserables, Life Of Pi, This Is Forty, and The Great Gatsby. With all these high profile films being released, it is understandable to want to hold off to a time when World War Z can be the center of attention. The move to the new release date now puts World War Z one week after the release of the new Superman reboot.

And in case you were wondering, Tom Cruise’s One Shot has been moved into World War Z‘s December 21st spot for 2012.

Personally, I am pretty bummed this has been delayed so far. I LOVED the novel (read it like three times) so I was pretty pumped for the adaptation. My only worry was that Brad Pitt was too big of a name to be in the starring role. But now we have to wait till next year to see this film.

The novel is a collection of individual accounts in the form of first-person anecdotes. Brooks plays the role of an agent of the United Nations Postwar Commission, who published the report a decade after the Zombie War. The United Nations left much of his research out of the official report, choosing to focus on facts and figures from the war rather than the individual stories that form the bulk of Brooks’ novel. The interviews chart a decade-long war against zombies from the view point of many different people of various nationalities. The personal accounts also describe the changing religious, geo-political, and environmental aftermath of the Zombie War.

If you haven’t read this book, DO IT.NOW. Seriously.

AMC Theaters Unleashes an Ultimate Marvel Marathon

AMC Theaters has announced today that they will be holding an all-day Ultimate Marvel Marathon on May 3 in select cities. The event that will start at 11:30 AM, will show five previous movies from Marvel Studios, beginning with Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, in that order. Mind you that these movies are the ones that Marvel acknowledges as being tied into The Avengers movie. This will culminate towards a midnight showing of The Avengers.

You can watch all six movies as a special movie package for the one time price of $40, that you can purchase now from select AMC theaters.

Boston Common 19 Boston, MA

Burbank 16 Burbank, CA

Downtown Disney 12 Anaheim, CA

Aventura 24 Aventura, FL

Empire 25 New York, NY

Garden State 16 Paramus, NJ

Downtown Disney 24 Lake Buena Vista, FL

Metreon 16 San Francisco, CA

Alderwood 16 Lynnwood, WA

Tysons Corner 16 McLean, VA

Depending on how ticket sales go, I’m sure there will be more theaters announced; AMC says on March 16th; and more tickets will go on sale the same day.

There are several reasons why this is a good and bad idea.

To begin, a person will spend $40 for the honor, nay, the privilege of being the first to watch new super hero movie. This will include a long lineup that begins well before the 11:30AM start time, as hard core fans camp out the night in a line up, all in attempts to jockey for the best seats in the house. You can definitely expect there will be many people in attendance so you will have to be prepared to spend the evening in a cramped busy place.

Yes, like the Rocky Horror Picture show fan base, this movie event will draw in cosplayers. So if you are someone who that might make you uncomfortable, then you might want to stay at home. On the other hand, if you love cosplaying (or at least don’t mind it) then you will probably have a great time here!

Then comes concessions. This is how the theater makes it money back. During the thirteen some odd hours of being cooped in a pig pen like atmosphere, people are going to want to eat. Hopefully there will be unlimited refills on all large sized drinks, because $20 to $30 for popcorn, candy and a drink is a lot of money to be spending. Then again, can you last that long without real food? Woe to the person who sits next to someone who’s smuggled in tin foil wrapped food. The crinkling of bags and foil throughout the theater will drive everyone mad.

The best argument going for why this is a great idea is for the experience and the atmosphere. Somehow the expected camaraderie of what may be a nerd support group is suppose to make the entire experience worthwhile. Who doesn’t love experiencing things like this with others who feel the same as you do? Having others there who are enjoying it as much as you, can make this event even more fun for attendees.

Frankly, the only thing that makes this idea seem bad for me, is that it might be tough being there all day (but anyone who has camped out for a premiere will not find this a problem) and the large crowds of people this is sure to attract. But in the end, true superhero fans and self-proclaimed geeks/nerds will find this a fantastic night and definitely worth the money to attend.

Note: this article was edited and rewritten in certain parts by the editor. 

Critics and Celebs Tweet Love For Hunger Games Film

 

The official Hunger Games film premiered last night, and to ease the worries of many fans, critics and celebs alike have been tweeting their love and support for the highly anticipated adaptation. While there are not many full reviews out (those will come later) we do have a collection of tweets from those at the premiere last night.

One critic, Germain Lusser has said that the film was exceptional and that the director had “knocked this movie out of the park.” And many others have claimed it be one of the best adaptations in a long time.

Lussier went on to tweet that,

The Hunger Games – B+. An exciting, emotional adaptation that gets most everything right. Its one flaw is it might be too smart for itself.

Glee star, Darren Criss, took to Twitter last night to also show his love for the film.

In short, The Hunger Games was great. They did an awesome job. Fun at the premiere tonight with @JoeyRichter … http://t.co/3MytBxUg

Joey Richter countered Criss’ tweet with,

The Hunger Games premiere w/ @DarrenCriss was oodles of fun Especially the badassery of @jackie_emerson. Not ashamed to say I sobbed.

Kelly Osbourne gave the film a “must see” rating when she tweeted,

Just got out of seeing #HungerGames all I have to say is wow! It really is a must see!

Steven Weintraub added to the mix by putting the worries of fans to rest with his statement,

If you’re a HUNGER GAMES fan, happy to report the film is great and you’re going to be very happy with Gary Ross’ film.

Todd Gilchrist agreed with the sentiment when he tweeted his approval of the film.

I’m getting in line behind my colleagues to say that The Hunger Games is terrific- thoughtful, thrilling, well-acted & emotionally engaging.

Silas Lesnick wasn’t shy about really loving The Hunger Games. After the premiere he tweeted,

I can now tell you all that I’ve seen — and really loved — THE HUNGER GAMES. It’s not just a great adaptation. It’s a new sci-fi classic.

One of the actresses from the film, Annie Thurman, took to Twitter after the premiere saying,

The Hunger Games premiere was absolutely flawless. Thank you soo much Lionsgate, Gary Ross, Cast and crew, and all you fans that made this..

Jeremy Smith said he was surprised by the film, praising the film and actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Completely surprised by THE HUNGER GAMES. Loved it. Dark, exciting, ambiguous sci-fi allegory. Another amazing performance from J. Lawrence.

The actor who plays Thresh in the film, Dayo Okeniyi, only had one thing to say about the premiere,

What a night, What a night, WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Kimmy West gave the film one of the highest compliments when she said,

Just saw #TheHungerGames. Most faithful adaptation of a book I have EVER seen. Just amazing.

And amazing writer (and twitterer) Neil Gaiman did a “brief” review of the film for his followers:

And brief review: I enjoyed The Hunger Games movie a lot – Donald Sutherland is wonderful. Maddy liked it, but she much preferred the book.

This over pouring over love for the film has definitely settled worries that it may not live up to my expectations. Personally, March 23rd can not get here fast enough. You can watch the trailer below if you need something to hold you over till we can see the film next week.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

6th Annual Book Tournament Match-Up: Dark Inside VS Bumped

Round 1 of the 6th Annual BSC Book Tournament begins with match-ups between the Female Leads and the Male Leads brackets. If you missed it, you can see our announcement of the brackets here as well as the unveiling of the full tournament schedule here. But now it is time for the voting to start!

We are keeping each round in its own post, but don’t worry! They will all be linked together to make it easier for you.

8: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts VS Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Continue on to the next one here!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Female Leads VS The Male Leads bracket. If you experience any technical issues with the polling, please email Sarah@boomtron.com with the problem. Polls will be open until Wednesday night, and results will be announced on Friday, March 16th.

6th Annual Book Tournament Match-Up: Dark Parties VS Vortex

Round 1 of the 6th Annual BSC Book Tournament begins with match-ups between the Female Leads and the Male Leads brackets. If you missed it, you can see our announcement of the brackets here as well as the unveiling of the full tournament schedule here. But now it is time for the voting to start!

We are keeping each round in its own post, but don’t worry! They will all be linked together to make it easier for you.

7: Dark Parties by Sara Grant VS Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson

Continue on to the next one here!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Female Leads VS The Male Leads bracket. If you experience any technical issues with the polling, please email Sarah@boomtron.com with the problem. Polls will be open until Wednesday night, and results will be announced on Friday, March 16th.